Joel Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Team Schnauzer is in mourning. Yesterday we bade farewell to Jack (Sitzmark's Jack of All Trades, OA, OAJ), a/k/a Little Buddy, Jackaroo, Jabber Jaws, Rocket Boy, Gerbs, the Verbal Gerbil, Crazy Pig, Littlest Coyote of the Laramie Foothills, and the Hyper-Humming-Gerbil-as-Big-as-a-Pot-Bellied-Pig Dog, among others. That proliferation of nicknames is an indication of a spirit and presence in inverse proportion to his size. At age 11, it was time to liberate that spirit from a body being ravaged by Cushing's Disease, Diabetes and other maladies. It was the right and merciful thing to do, but the hole that's left behind feels immense. And for the first time in more than 20 years, and more than 30 for Heidi, there's not a Mini in the house. Little Buddy might be our smartest member ever. He constantly offered us insights into canine intellect. That was a blessing and a challenge. He was complex. Enzo in "The Art of Racing in the Rain" doesn't seem like much of a stretch. His play drive was strong, and agility was a great outlet for it. He loved "run jump" so much that he earned a leg in Excellent Jumpers while being handled by a stranger -- someone with whom he never trained and had only a few moments to warm up. Even after losing his vision to Diabetes he could navigate weave poles. Just not as fast as Rocket Boy. He is, and will be, sorely missed. Link to comment
Mike Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Joel, I'm sorry to hear this. Having been through the loss of some pups in my lifetime, it's always heart-wrenching. All the best to you. It looks like he was a great little guy. Link to comment
Kitsap Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 My condolences for your loss; my keyboard seems to have sprung a leak. Link to comment
azkaisr Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 A most worthy tribute to a member of your family brother. I wept reading it and I feel for your loss. Hug Heidi for me and know you are in our thoughts. Tommy Link to comment
Glenn Reed Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 When we lost the first of our dogs (Travis McGee, a soft coated Wheaten Terrier), my brother gave me some good insight. He said "pets aren't people, but they can be a part of your family." That really summed it up for me. My wife had had the foresight to have us acquire another pup about a year before Travis's passing, and that did help us get through it, but it was still heart wrenching. Link to comment
JayW Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 It is so very hard to lose a beloved pet, I've been through it too. You've got some great pictures to help remember him! Jay Link to comment
David13 Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 It is sad. And it's a good time to think about the innumerable other dogs out there at this moment, facing an end, unless they can find a home. Not necessarily "pure" breeds, mixed, some good looking, some not so, but all in need of a rescue, who would very much appreciate that bowl. Or even two who could share it. dc Link to comment
tobyzusa Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Joel, sorry for your loss. Link to comment
Marty Hill Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Joel, very sorry to read this. Went thru the same about 8 years ago and still miss my pal. Link to comment
DaveTheAffable Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 He was lucky to own you. Sorry for your loss. Link to comment
David Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Very sorry to hear this Joel. I'm dreading the day when I'll have to post something similar. Link to comment
yabadabapal Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I am sorry to hear this Joel. Very sorry. Link to comment
Nice n Easy Rider Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Very sorry for your loss. He was obviously a great friend and companion. Link to comment
Ohio48 Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Very sorry to hear this. Link to comment
Les is more Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 That's a beautiful tribute to your beloved buddy. I wish you and Heidi warm memories and healing hearts. Link to comment
1MPH Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Very nice eulogy for a beloved family member. Sorry for your loss. Link to comment
Lawman Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 I know Jack left you a wealth of joyful memories..You and he could not ask for more..I suspect things could not have worked out better for either of you. Take joy and contentment in knowing that..When I lost my last dog I said I did not want another. My wife told me that was not an option. You should see "Frappy" Link to comment
Tank Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 What a great picture tribute to Jack... Farewell to you, Little Big Guy As with David's comment... its only a matter of time when my 16 1/2 year old yellow lab seeks the long nap. Link to comment
Laney Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Joel & Heidi, What a beautiful tribute to Jack. I’m really sorry to hear you had to say goodbye to a good friend and member of the family. I wish I knew some magic to make the hurt stop, but I don’t. The one thing that tempers the recent loss of Robin our cat is seeing pictures of her when she was healthy and strong, knowing that she’s free from all the difficulties and discomfort that were part of the last few months of her life. It looks as if you have a treasure trove of good memories of your time with Jack. Link to comment
Fraidycat Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Surely a God who created all things and who created a dog to be loyal and true and like no other animal will have a suitable reward for Jack and others like him. I can't help thinking that about any dog I ever knew earned a better place than a lot of us have. Link to comment
Joel Posted January 26, 2011 Author Share Posted January 26, 2011 Thanks, everyone, for the kind thoughts. They made a tough day a little easier. Link to comment
dba Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Very sorry for your loss. I'm pretty sure that dogs go to heaven. If they don't, when I die, I want to go where they are. Link to comment
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